SAN DIEGO, Oct. 25 — Despite the pervasive clouds of wind-blown smoke that enveloped southern California and displaced an estimated million persons, the emergency departments here did not face an exceptional strain.At the University of California San Diego Medical Center, elective operations and procedures were postponed. UC San Diego physicians were dispatched to triage duty at Qualcomm Stadium, where thousands of persons congregated after mandatory evacuations.

“So far we are only seeing very mild respiratory issues, some coughing or shortness of breath, but nothing serious,” said a spokesperson.